Page 61 of Consider The Lilies

I let out a contented sigh as he continues to clean my mark. I can’t believe this is my life now. I have a strong and protective mate with a mighty pack, and I get to live in a castle. A few ofthe crystals in the chandelier overhead catch the light, casting sparkles around the room. I watch them dance until my gaze finally falls on the couch in the corner. My nesting materials are still sitting there, waiting for me.

“Alpha?”

Jack hums in response.

“Can I make a nest in here?”

Jack stops what he’s doing, allowing me to look up at him. “I didn’t even think about you needing a nest.” He glances around the room. “Where are you going to put it?”

I point to the couch. “I was thinking in that corner.

“On the floor?” Jack frowns when I nod. “I thought omegas needed small spaces with low ceilings for their nests.”

“I honestly don’t know what’s normal.” I bite my bottom lip, feeling a little weird admitting that. “I’ve never had a nest, and I don’t really remember my mother’s. She died when I was little. That part of my life is a little fuzzy.”

Jack stares at me as if trying to find something written on my face. “And the rest of your pack?”

“They all died too.” I drop my gaze, staring at his chest. “There was a car accident that killed two of my dads. Then my mom passed away from a broken heart. After that, my last father took his own life. I don’t remember how, but my sister was so scared they’d separate us. She took me and ran.”

“Where is your sister now?” Jack’s question surprises me. Lucy and Bear didn’t tell him. I don’t know if they felt it was a secret, or if they thought it wasn’t important enough for him to know, but I appreciate that they’re letting me share my story.

“She’s dead,” I say, feeling almost numb. “She was thrown off a cliff.” Those last moments flash in my mind. Mari fighting, hitting and smacking that big ugly alpha. His angry growl, then his body jerking, shoving her off and into the air. “I didn't save her,” I whisper more to myself than anyone else.

Jack’s arms tighten around me, and he pulls me close. “I’m so sorry.” He kisses my cheek. “You’re safe here, Stefan. You belong to me and Bear and Yuki, and we won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

I smile, thinking about Bear’s warm presence and Lucy’s infectious laugh. I still don’t think Yuki likes me very much, but there’s nothing I can do about that. I’ll just stay out of her way.

“Can I—” I cut off my own question, deciding it’s a bad idea.

“What?” Jack cups my cheek. “Tell me.” He stares at the side of my face, waiting patiently for me to speak. For half a second, I consider making something up, but I don’t want to lie to my alpha. My mate.

“Can I hug Bear?” I ask, waiting for Jack’s reaction. But the alpha doesn’t say anything. He stares at me, weighing his options. “I know he’s in trouble for claiming me, but I’d really like to hug him or hold his hand. Just something…” I trail off, wishing I had kept my mouth shut.

Jack pulls in a deep breath as if allowing that could destroy his whole world.

“It’s not that big a deal,” I quickly backtrack. “I was just?—”

“Fine,” Jack cuts me off with a huff. “Only simple touches.Nothingsexual.”

My heart bursts, and I fling my arms around his neck. “Thank you!” I kiss his face, peppering them all over his cheeks and lips. He smiles, then a deep chuckle quickly follows.

“I’ll talk to Bear about what’s allowed,” Jack says once I’ve calmed down.

“And Lucy,” I remind him with a big smile. “She’s in charge of making sure the rules are followed.”

“Not Lucy.” Jack shakes his head. “I need her back in the office. I’m going to assign someone else to keep you company.”

Disappointment grips me, followed by a shocking sadness. “I don’t want someone else,” I say, unable to hide the disappointment in my tone.

“You need someone who can protect you,” Jack’s voice shifts from light to much more serious. “A stronger beta. Someone with combat skills.”

“I want Lucy,” I say firmly, shocked at how defiant I sound.

“She’s not a good fit,” Jack says in his big, booming voice. “You made friends with her; you can make friends with the next beta.”

Anger swirls inside me at the thought of losing Lucy, and I drop my gaze. I don’t want Jack to see my hard expression as a challenge.

“Why are you acting this way?” Jack asks firmly. “She’s just a beta.”

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